Churches in Bahrain will remain open to support the faithful as explosions and warning sirens are reported across parts of the Gulf, the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia said.
“Last night there were several explosions and injuries have been reported. This morning, warning sirens are sounding and loud detonations can be heard,” Bishop Aldo Berardi told Agenzia Fides.
Authorities in Bahrain urged residents to remain calm after an attack on an oil plant in the village of Maameer. The Interior Ministry called on the public to seek safety and avoid unnecessarily blocking main roads to ensure public safety.
The attacks come as Iran launched bomb and drone strikes against several Gulf states, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, in the tenth day of the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Amid the tensions, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met Bishop Berardi and other Christian religious leaders on March 8 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia to check on the situation of the Catholic community.
A statement from the prince’s media center said the meeting was held “to ensure the well-being of Bahrain’s Catholic community” as authorities monitor developments linked to the hostilities.
During the gathering, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa conveyed the greetings of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to religious coexistence.
“Throughout its long history, Bahraini society has been a model of coexistence and tolerance among various religions and cultures,” the statement said.
Bishop Berardi said the meeting also addressed the pastoral needs of Catholics during the crisis.
“The Crown Prince,” Bishop Berardi told Fides, “has asked to leave churches open for the spiritual support of the faithful and has inquired about the date of Easter.”
